About us

Camphill School Aberdeen is a charity (Registration No.SC015588) founded in 1940. We were the first school of its kind for children with learning disabilities in the UK and founded the global Camphill Movement; one of the largest networks of independent charities in the world.

Our mission is to transform the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities and very complex additional support needs from across Scotland and the UK who require a minimum of 1:1 highly specialist support. Many struggle in mainstream education and other care options, yet thrive at Camphill. Young people are empowered to grow in confidence, independence and reach their fullest potential, leading to happier and healthier lives.

Our unique approach integrates education, lifelong learning and expert care within a therapeutic environment as part of a shared living community with onsite medical support. Today, over 100 young people with multiple diagnoses and very complex additional support needs, aged 3-25, and their families access our sector-leading day and residential services as part of a unique community where everyone is valued, respected and has something meaningful to offer.
Find out more on our website.


Our Services

An Integrated Nursery: operated as a social enterprise for 3-6 year olds.

Primary and Secondary School Provision: pupils access the national curriculum, internal and national award schemes, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Our therapeutic approach to learning extends the formal curriculum with access to 15 craft and land workshops.

Ten Residential Homes: incorporating healthy rhythms and routines of daily life, focusing on developing both independence and care for each other in a mutually supportive way.

Learning for Life Day Services: offering a range of vocational workshops to develop life skills, achieve certified internal STARS awards, provide meaningful work, adding therapeutic benefit, support towards independence and the transition to adulthood. Artisan Heritage Crafts (woodwork, weaving, felting, crafts, candle making, pottery) Land: Stable Management, Organic fruit & veg growing, rearing organic farm animals, tending to the land.

Social Enterprises – Bike workshop and FRUVER: an internal refill and reuse organic shop, with Murtle Market opening soon.

Distinctive Therapies: including therapeutic art, music, movement, and speech; play and animal therapy. Leisure and Recreational: onsite gym and swimming pool as well as access to local facilities.

Onsite Medical Care: conventional and extended healthcare via an NHS GP Practice and Camphill Wellbeing Trust.


 We are set over three peaceful campuses spanning 50 hectares in the suburbs of Aberdeen ensuring that each young person can access the therapeutic and health benefits of their surroundings creating a calm and safe environment.

 An integral part of our shared community is mutual care and respect for each other and the environment. This includes growing our own organic produce, reducing waste, decreasing our carbon emissions and practising the principles of the circular economy. Never has this been more important as we recover from the global impact of COVID-19 and continue our journey towards the UK’s net zero target.


Support us

Your donations help us support those who need it most and will have a truly transformational and lasting impact on the young people and their families that rely on our services.  We are currently fundraising for Aberdeen’s first fully inclusive outdoor sensory adventure & learning playground which will be open all year round and free at point of access to any young person with a sensory disorder.

Together we can transform lives and build futures!